backhoe/loader

[hillbilly]

I'm looking for a "general use around the farm" backhoe/loader
I would like to get a small ,industrial model, price range of about 5-6 thousand dollars. ideally it will be 4WD. any suggestions as to a make and model number. Any models/manufacturers I should avoid?
Thanks for your help
Hillbilly

[HWooldridge]

I have been shopping also for the same thing and I think your best bet is to visit auctions for used farm and industrial machinery. You can buy a Kubota or Mahindra brand new on terms like an auto loan or save up your cash and buy something used. My neighbor bought a new, 4wd, 30 hp Kubota a few years ago with loader and backhoe and paid somewhere over $15K. I have used it and found it to be a toy compared to a Case or JD so I plan to keep looking for a bigger one. Having been raised on Case and Allis Chalmers tractors, I have never liked Kubotas but many folks swear by them.

[hillbilly]

I too know people who love their Kubotas, but I am looking for something with more digging/hydraulic power. Can you suggest a case or John Deer industrial backhoe model number from the 70's or 60'a that I can look for. I'd prefer something with 4WD
Thanks

[powerwagontim]

Hi Hillbilly,
I have an old Case 580CK hoe. Built in 1968. It is really dependable, has its quirks, but can out carry or dig a kubota 10 to 1. 4wd would be nice, but its pretty tough to get into a situation you cant push / pull yourself out of with a backhoe. I paid 3,000 for it about 10 years ago. Couldnt live without it, always using it for something, sometimes even digging!
Tim

[Gordon Maney]

Originally posted by hillbilly
I'm looking for a "general use around the farm" backhoe/loader
I would like to get a small ,industrial model, price range of about 5-6 thousand dollars. ideally it will be 4WD. any suggestions as to a make and model number. Any models/manufacturers I should avoid?
Thanks for your help
Hillbilly

I think many of us might share that dream, but I think you are going to have a hard time using, loader tractor with backhoe, 4-wheel drive, and $5-6,000, all in the same sentence. Plus, you have to be careful that you don't buy something that doubles your investment in repairs. I suspect you won't be having the 4-wheel drive part for sure at that price.

I am not so sure it is a matter of which brand, as it is physical size. Most of the Kubota stuff would be newer and smaller and higher priced, at least anything of any size with a backhoe.

It will be interesting to see what you find. Keep us posted.